“My people are going to learn the principles of democracy the dictates of truth and the teachings of science. Superstition must go. Let them worship as they will, every man can follow his own conscience provided it does not interfere with sane reason or bid him act against the liberty of his fellow men.” – Mustafa Kemal Atatürk

The incumbent President Abdulla Yameen have really shown his true colour as he took power in the Maldives. He used the military to evict and control the courts and also the Supreme Court. He used all methods to get people to under siege and under his wings. If didn’t follow that, you better seek refugee or even go into exile. Like so many opposition figures and families did in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Now, after yesterdays poll and today’s announced results, the drive and oppressive behaviour might stop.

This is positive, hopefully the ones who has fled to safety and out of danger. Can return and start over, instead of living and awaiting, as the new presidency arrives and hopefully secure the future. People are today celebrating that the Coup of 7th February 2012 has been answered, as the leadership of that time, was sent into exile, this being Mohamed Nasheed (Maldivian Democratic Party)and Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik (Gaumee Ithihaad Party). This is redemption, as they hope that the Joint Presidential Candidate Solih, can establish normalcy after the years of harsh control from Yameen and his party Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM).

Therefore, today is for some the end of the coup d’état and a fresh beginning after 2421 days of waiting for a democratic elected leadership not evolving around the big-man and paranoia of Yameen.

Today, I live in hope for the Maldives, after plenty of dark days, oppression from the state and state aggression against their leaders and their principals. Today, we can hope for a better tomorrow. As the people have someone who represent them and hopefully will restore normalcy. Will ensure the National Assembly, the Supreme Court and the true justice. Not just to his peers and his allies, but to all Maldivians.

Some says it is a power shift from Beijing to New Delhi, whatever it is, it is hope, because the public has shown the courage and the will to overthrow someone who ruled without concern of anyone else than himself. That has to be remembered, that have to be the key thing out of this today.

There are reports of MPs and other political prisoners release at the Criminal Courts in Male, today, however, that is yet to be verified right now. But there is a bunch of innocent people behind bars, because of need of being there, as the previous President needed them there. To keep a grip of power and try to centralize it more. Peace.

On 16 July, the Foreign Affairs Council adopted a framework for targeted restrictive measures against persons and entities responsible for undermining the rule of law or obstructing an inclusive political solution in the Maldives as well as persons and entities responsible for serious human rights violations. This decision makes it possible, if the situation does not improve, to impose a travel ban and an asset freeze on relevant individuals and entities.

This decision is a direct follow up to the Foreign Affairs Council conclusions of 26 February 2018 on the Maldives. The Council considered that the situation was not in accordance with the principles of democratic rule and separation of powers, and indicated it may consider targeted measures if the situation did not improve.

In its conclusions, the Council called on the government of the Maldives to engage with the leaders of the opposition in a genuine dialogue that paves the way for credible, transparent and inclusive Presidential elections.